Santa Catalina, Panama: travel guide
Pacific surf village and the main gateway to Coiba's reefs
Laid-back Pacific fishing and surf village in Veraguas, the main gateway to the UNESCO-listed Coiba National Park and its world-class diving.
About Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is a small fishing and surf village on Panama's Pacific coast in Veraguas, with a handful of dirt roads, beach cafés and dive shops. It has a laid-back air, and it is best known as the departure point for Coiba National Park.
Coiba is a large island and marine reserve, listed by UNESCO, with some of the best diving and snorkelling in the country, including reefs, rays, turtles and sharks. Closer to the village, the point break at La Punta draws surfers, and Playa Estero is a gentler beach for swimming. Many travellers combine a day trip to Coiba with time on the sand.
Santa Catalina suits divers, surfers and those looking for a quiet seaside break. Surf is typically best from around December to April, while diving conditions are generally good for much of the year.
- Country
- Panama
- Currency
- USD
- Time zone
- America/Panama
Last updated
Top places to visit in Santa Catalina
Playa Santa Catalina
Beach · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The village beach and one of Central America's best surf breaks, with consistent right-hand reef waves.
Coiba National Park
Nature · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate
UNESCO-listed marine park around former prison island Coiba, with pristine reefs, sharks and rich sea life.
La Punta (surf point)
Beach · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Rocky point at the edge of the village delivering Santa Catalina's famous long right-hand wave.
Granito de Oro
Beach · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A tiny reef-fringed islet off Coiba, one of the top snorkelling spots in Panama.
Isla Cebaco
Nature · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate
Large offshore island with quiet beaches and fishing grounds south of the Veraguas coast.
Playa Estero
Beach · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Wide sandy beach a short walk from town, good for beginner surfers and sunsets.
Things to do
- Coiba National Park Diving Day Trip Adventure · 8 h · from USD 120 per person
- Coiba Snorkelling & Island Tour Adventure · 8 h · from USD 90 per person
- Santa Catalina Surf Lesson Adventure · 2 h · from USD 35 per person
- Whale Watching (seasonal) Nature · 4 h · from USD 60 per person
Day trips and tours
- Coiba National Park Day Trip 9 h · from USD 95
Where to stay in Santa Catalina
- Santa Catalina town about USD 70 per night
Village centre close to restaurants, dive shops and the beach.
- La Punta about USD 90 per night
Headland near the famous surf break with ocean-view hotels.
Hotels
- Oasis Surf Camp 2-star · USD 60 to USD 110 per night
- Hotel Santa Catalina 3-star · USD 85 to USD 150 per night
- Hostel Iguana 1-star · USD 12 to USD 45 per night
Where to eat
- Los Pibes Argentine, Grill · about USD 15 per person
- Jamming Pizza Pizza, Italian · about USD 12 per person
- La Buena Vida Cafe, Healthy · about USD 14 per person
- Donde Vianca Panamanian, Seafood · about USD 10 per person
Getting to Santa Catalina
Nearest airport: David (Boquete gateway) (DAV), about 155 km away in a straight line. The road or rail journey is longer.
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Boat
- Walking
More in Panama
Frequently asked questions about Santa Catalina
- What are the main places to visit in Santa Catalina?
- Places covered in our Santa Catalina guide include Playa Santa Catalina, Coiba National Park, La Punta (surf point), Granito de Oro, Isla Cebaco.
- Where should I stay in Santa Catalina?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Santa Catalina: Santa Catalina town, La Punta.
- How do I get around Santa Catalina?
- Ways to get around Santa Catalina covered in our guide: Bicycle, Boat, Walking.